ADC crisis, product of failed internal dispute resolution mechanism, says CSO

Nwagwu called for caution in handling the crisis within, warning that the current approach aimed at portraying INEC as biased and casting the Commission in a bad light is dangerous and should not be allowed, saying this approach is capable of eroding public trust in democratic institutions, even before the 2027 general elections.

He cited similar disputes in the past involving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which was addressed through administrative engagement without escalating tensions publicly.

He said, “There is no need for the ADC’s grandstanding. This is a matter that could have been settled administratively. The ADC leadership could have approached INEC for the resolution of grey areas, while also initiating mediation within its ranks.

“When the PDP had similar issues, they approached INEC, and the matters were resolved. However, there is no evidence that the ADC leadership, led by David Mark, has met with INEC to resolve this matter."

Nwagwu said the ADC leadership must prioritise institutional engagement over public confrontation, stressing that the issues in contention could still be addressed through established administrative channels.

While admitting that opposition parties often deploy strategies to attract public sympathy, Nwagwu cautioned that any party seeking power must put in the hard work, demonstrate due diligence, internal discipline, and respect for due process.

He said, “Opposition status is not a shield against scrutiny. Parties seeking power must demonstrate that they can manage their own affairs in line with due process. That means investing in internal governance, resolving disputes transparently, and engaging institutions constructively".

He stressed that the development within the ADC points to the need for political parties to strengthen internal governance and adhere strictly to procedural frameworks in managing disputes, saying "time and again, we have observed that many political parties in Nigeria do not have robust mechanisms to resolve internal conflicts".

Nwagwu said further that the situation has placed the electoral body in a delicate position that requires careful handling, particularly in terms of public communication and maintaining institutional neutrality.

He said, “For INEC, it is a tricky situation. INEC has a legal department, and the Commission is currently headed by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. When you have too many legal experts in the room, the challenge is that you may be dealing with a crisis of legal interpretation.”

He called on civil society organisations and the media to remain objective, urging them to interrogate processes thoroughly rather than assume victimhood in political disputes.

He said, “The ADC is doing what any normal opposition would do anywhere in the world to the extent that it gains advantage and attracts sympathy. But as much as we criticise the ruling party, we must also scrutinise the opposition within the framework of due process.”

He explained that INEC did not initiate the dispute, stressing that the matter was taken to court by members of the ADC, resulting in orders that the Commission is obligated to respect.